ABSTRACT

This chapter recognizes the alleged advantages of reading across the disciplines, it critically review diverse theories of sporting pleasures. It selectively focus on theories linked to sociology, biology and psychology. It follows Norbert Elias and Eric Dunning's call to study people 'in the round' with an interest in knowing what different understandings of pleasure can be gained via the employment of different theoretical lenses. The chapter examines Raewyn Connell's concept of body-reflexive practices as one such theoretical possibility. It aims to promote thinking outside the boundaries, encourage a more 'body-aware sociology' and challenge dualistic thinking that proposes pleasure as either biologically or socially constructed. It considers the place of social context and biology in the shaping of sporting pleasures; these are factors that individuals have seemingly little ability to control. The chapter also examines the possibilities of gaining a more holistic or rounder understanding of sporting pleasures through reading across the disciplines.